How To Get Board Game Published

How to Get Your Board Game Published: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting your board game published can feel like navigating a complex maze, but with the right approach and a well-crafted strategy, you can significantly increase your chances of success. This guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, offering insights and advice to help you on your journey.

Phase 1: Crafting a Winning Game

Before even thinking about publishers, focus on creating a truly exceptional game. This involves more than just a fun concept; it requires meticulous planning and execution.

1. Gameplay Mechanics:

• Uniqueness: What makes your game stand out? Does it offer a novel mechanic, a fresh take on a classic genre, or a unique theme? Strong gameplay is paramount. A captivating and well-balanced game is the foundation of success.
• Playtesting: Rigorous playtesting is crucial. Gather diverse groups of players to identify weaknesses, refine rules, and gauge overall enjoyment. Don't skip this step! Honest feedback is invaluable.
• Target Audience: Who is your game for? Identifying your target demographic (families, experienced gamers, etc.) will inform design choices and marketing strategies.

2. Game Components:

• High-Quality Materials: Use durable and visually appealing components. The quality of your prototype reflects the potential quality of the final product.
• Thematic Consistency: Components should enhance the theme and gameplay experience. A cohesive design is essential.
• Prototype Creation: A professional-looking prototype is crucial when presenting your game to publishers. Invest time and resources in creating a polished, playable version.

Phase 2: Researching and Selecting Publishers

Now that you have a polished game, it’s time to research publishers who align with your game's genre and style.

1. Publisher Research:

• Genre Specialization: Focus on publishers known for publishing games similar to yours. This increases your chances of a positive response.
• Publisher Reputations: Research their track record, their communication styles, and the terms they offer to authors.
• Online Resources: Utilize resources like BoardGameGeek to find publishers and analyze their portfolios.

2. Preparing Your Submission:

• Compelling Game Overview: Prepare a concise and engaging summary that highlights the game's unique selling points.
• Detailed Rulebook: Include clear, concise, and easy-to-understand rules.
• High-Quality Images and Videos: Showcase your game visually with attractive photos and gameplay videos.
• Professional Presentation: A polished submission demonstrates professionalism and respect for the publisher's time.

Phase 3: Submitting Your Game and Following Up

Submitting your game is only half the battle. The process requires patience and persistence.

1. Submission Process:

• Follow Submission Guidelines: Carefully read and follow the publisher's submission guidelines meticulously.
• Personalized Approach: Tailor your submission to each publisher, highlighting aspects most relevant to their interests.
• Multiple Submissions: Don’t be discouraged by rejections. Submitting to multiple publishers increases your odds of success.

2. Following Up (Strategically):

• Respect Deadlines: Avoid excessive contact before the publisher's response timeframe.
• Professional Communication: If you don't hear back after a reasonable time, send a polite follow-up email.
• Persistence: Rejection doesn't mean your game is bad; it might simply not be a good fit for that particular publisher.

Phase 4: Negotiating and Collaborating

Once a publisher expresses interest, the negotiation process begins.

1. Contract Review:

• Legal Counsel: It is strongly recommended to have a lawyer review any contract before signing.
• Royalty Rates: Understand the royalty structure and payment terms.
• Creative Control: Negotiate the level of creative control you wish to retain.

2. Collaboration:

• Open Communication: Maintain open and respectful communication with your publisher throughout the development process.
• Feedback Incorporation: Be open to feedback and suggestions from the publisher.

Getting your board game published requires dedication, perseverance, and a high-quality game. By following these steps and maintaining a professional attitude, you significantly increase your chances of bringing your game to life. Good luck!